The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed its opposition to the sanctions placed on aircraft parts shipments and the provision of support to Russian carriers in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
According to a report by Aviation International News (AIN) published on March 3, 2022, IATA opposes the European Union and US sanctions as they could compromise air safety.
“IATA does not support bans on the export of commercial aircraft equipment and spare parts because this potentially impacts the safety, which is always the top priority,” the association told AIN in response to questions about the sanctions.
The comments came after several major aerospace companies joined the list of private companies that have cut ties with Russia in the past few days, including Embraer, GE Aviation, Boeing and Airbus.
On March 3, 2022, Brazilian plane manufacturer Embraer and US-based aircraft engine supplier GE Aviation (the subsidiary of General Electric) announced their decision to temporarily suspend services for Russian clients currently affected by the EU and US sanctions.
In an emailed statement to AeroTime, Embraer explained that the company “is currently monitoring the evolving situation” and that it will “continue to comply, with the international sanctions imposed on Russia and certain regions of Ukraine by suspending parts, maintenance, and technical support services for customers affected by sanctions”.
Meanwhile, GE Aviation has also suspended its support for its Russian carriers. The plane engine and parts manufacturer briefly explained that it is focused on the constant “monitoring of the situation in Ukraine” and expressed an intention to “continue to operate in compliance with all applicable international laws and regulations,” GE Aviation told AeroTime in an emailed statement.
“GE has temporarily paused support of airlines in Russia, consistent with US, UK, and EU sanctions,” the company added.
On March 2, 2022, American manufacturer Boeing joined European airspace manufacturing giant Airbus and suspended parts, maintenance, and technical support for Russian carriers.
“We have suspended major operations in Moscow and temporarily closed our office in Kyiv. We are also suspending parts, maintenance, and technical support services for Russian airlines. As the conflict continues, our teams are focused on ensuring the safety of our teammates in the region,” Boeing said.
Airbus also decided to withdraw parts and support services for all Russian airlines.
“Airbus has suspended support services to Russian airlines, as well as the supply of spare parts to the country. […] The Airbus Engineering Center in Russia (ECAR) has put on hold all its operations for Airbus in line with sanctions,” an Airbus spokesperson said in a statement seen by Reuters.